Bali Mumba has not made an appearance for Sunderland so far this season, with Jack Ross favouring other options.
Mumba made a handful of appearances for Sunderland’s first team last season, despite only being 16 at the start of the campaign.
The prospect has not been selected for Sunderland’s senior side at all so far this term though.
Ross has decided to pick Sunderland’s more senior options, with Mumba having to make do with playing under-23 football.
But Ross insists that he remains a big fan of the Black Cats academy graduate.
He said: “My opinion of him as a young footballer has never changed. Watching him again in training recently (when Mumba joined in with the first team as he sometimes does), he’s got brilliant attributes and I like him.
“He’s an asset to the football club and he’ll go on to have a good career as long as he keeps doing what he’s doing because his desire to get better is really good.”
Mumba has actually played some games as a left-back for Sunderland’s development side this term.
The youngster is also capable of playing out wide or in central midfield, and his versatility should stand him in good stead in the future.
Whether Mumba will be given more opportunities as the season progresses at Sunderland remains to be seen.
The Black Cats are back in action after the international break, when they take on Accrington Stanley, and they are under pressure to bounce back from defeat against Peterborough United.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
